England defeats Pakistan 5-2 in hockey WC

NEW DELHI: Captain Barry Middleton and Jonty Clarke scored twice each to lead England over Pakistan 5-2 in the field hockey World Cup.

Ashley Jackson also scored for England, which blew a 2-0 halftime lead when Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt scored in a four-minute span to level.

Middleton broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute to set England on course for a third successive victory, still atop Pool B and closer to a spot in the semifinals.

Earlier, Australia achieved the biggest win in World Cup history by hammering South Africa 12-0. It was Australia’s second win in three matches.